There is limited knowledge about the metabolism and function of n-3 very-long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 VLC-PUFAs) with chain lengths ≥24. They are known to be produced endogenously in certain tissues from eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and not considered to originate directly from dietary sources. The aim of this study was to investigate whether n-3 VLC-PUFAs from dietary sources are bio-available and deposited in tissues of rat, fish and mouse. Rats were fed diets supplemented with a natural fish oil as source of low dietary levels of n-3 VLC-PUFAs, while Atlantic salmon and mice were fed higher dietary levels of n-3 VLC-PUFAs from a fish oil concentrate. In all experiments, n-3 VLC-PUFA incorporation in organs was investigated. We found that natural fish oil, due to its high EPA content, to a limited extent increased endogenous production of n-3 VLC-PUFAs in brain and eye of mice with neglectable amounts of n-3 VLC-PUFA originating from diet. When higher dietary levels were given in the form of concentrate, these fatty acids were bio-available and deposited in both phospholipids (PL) and triacylglycerol (TAG) fractions of all tissues studied, including skin, eye, brain, testis, liver and heart, and their distribution appeared to be tissue-dependent, but not species-specific. When dietary EPA and DHA were balanced and n-3 VLC-PUFA increased, the major n-3 VLC-PUFAs from the concentrate increased significantly in the organs studied, showing that these fatty acids can be provided through diet and thereby provide a tool for functional studies of these VLC-PUFAs.
The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of dietary n-3 very-long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 VLC-PUFAs) on the maturation and development of skin tissue in juvenile Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) in vivo, as well as their effects on skin keratocyte and human skin fibroblast cell migration in vitro. Atlantic salmon were fed different dietary levels of n-3 VLC-PUFAs from an initial weight of 6 g to a final weight of 11 g. Changes in skin morphology were analysed at two timepoints during the experiment and the effects on skin tissue fatty acid composition were determined. Additionally, in vitro experiments using human dermal fibroblasts and primary Atlantic salmon keratocytes were conducted to investigate the effect of VLC-PUFAs on the migration capacity of the cells. The results demonstrated that increased dietary levels of n-3 VLC-PUFAs led to an increased epidermis thickness and more rapid scale maturation in Atlantic salmon skin in vivo, leading to a more mature skin morphology, and possibly more robust skin, at an earlier life stage. Additionally, human skin fibroblasts and salmon skin keratocytes supplemented with n-3 VLC-PUFAs in vitro showed more rapid migration, indicating potentially beneficial effects of VLC-PUFAs in wound healing. In conclusion, VLC-PUFAs may have beneficial effects on skin tissue development, function, and integrity.
Very-long-chain fatty acids (VLC-FA) have a chain length of ≥24 carbon atoms. They are generally not provided through dietary sources but generated endogenously, involving chain elongation of LC-FA by ELOVL4. There is emerging substantial evidence suggesting they play important roles in tissues where they are naturally found, including retina, skin, testis, and brain. Mutations in ELOVL4 have been associated with several tissue-specific conditions, suggesting these FA may be involved in the disease pathology. A lack of availability of these fatty acids for dietary interventions has however, until recently, made them difficult to investigate. After identifying VLC-FA in fish oil and developing a method for concentrating n-3 VLC-PUFAs in kg scale, our research team have conducted feeding trials to determine if they are taken up directly from diet through supplementation, and their effect on development and maturation of skin tissue. Salmon fed different dietary levels of the concentrate were analysed for tissue fatty acid composition by GC and histology by H&E and Von Kossa staining. After establishing a clear tissue-specific uptake, we conducted in-vitro trials where we observed promising effects by incubating skin cells from human and Atlantic salmon with n-3 VLC-PUFA concentrate in scratch assay and cell migration trials. The in-vitro results show improved cell migration, which is in line with our in-vivo findings and demonstrates a promising effect on skin tissue development, maturation, and skin cell migration. Here we will present our data and discuss the relevance of this in skin biology. As VLC-FA potentially play a critical role in skin barrier function and skin biology, understanding these FAs may lead to improvements in treatment of dermatological diseases and conditions.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
hi@scite.ai
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.